Uses the case study reported in "GYNS AT WRK" to illustrate the five stages of development that children go through in learning to spell. Explains what is involved in each stage and what a teacher can do to help. (FL)

Summarizes ERIC materials dealing with the role of phonics, spelling rules, and word lists in the spelling program. (FL)

Misspellings by first through fifth grade students were classified as to probable underlying spelling strategies. An overall shift strategy from sound to print was reflected in fifth grade errors independent of word difficulty. (FL)

Examines current research concerning various instructional approaches for introducing print related concepts to preschool children. Discusses the nature of preschool literacy skills in light of research findings. Concludes that a whole language approach enhances initial print concepts and develops analytical reading related skills. (MM)

Reviews a research project that investigated the roles reading and writing play in children's growing knowledge of social interactions. (FL)

Concludes that an ongoing, onsite, supervised inservice program providing regular diagnostic feedback to teachers doubled the reading comprehension gain scores of low SES Black intermediate-grade students from a large urban school district as compared to the gains of students whose teachers did not participate in program. (FL)

Notes that research shows that neither grade retention nor social promotion improves educational success. Suggests that familiarity with this research is essential when seeking intervention strategies. Considers how it is possible to strengthen the connection between research and practice by recognizing that educational professionals who know…

Cites authorities in the fields of early childhood education and literacy acquisition to show the need to change the way in which children learn to read and write. (FL)